Heads of State, Council Meeting (Confederacy of Independent Systems)

[Jasmine Zittoun]

Jasmine gazed in no particular direction, having loss total interest in the meeting at hand. She was thoroughly despised, not only by its content, but by its participants as well. Having been the result of a strict government oligarchy on her home world of Jamoura, she felt insulted by the crowd around her. These viceroys, if you could even call them that, looked like they had just been picked off the streets and placed into their viceroy positions. She was half certain that [member="Jorco Czeku"], or whatever his name was, was a criminal, much less a politician. However, Jasmine restrained herself, she didn't want to burn bridges without reason, and the money that she accumulated, not so legally, being a viceroy was too much to risk over something as silly as pride. So she kept her big flapping mouth shut, a task harder than she thought.

Once the more regular procedure started, Jasmine found herself more engaged at the topic at hand. Jasmine did not agree with it, wasting federal money over something as trivial as tourism? Especially on a planet like her own, it would just be a waste, and Jasmine didn't let it go unnoticed yo the other viceroys, "Excuse me, but this is hardly an appropriate use of the Ministry of Influence's funds. Tourism funding should be done by the planetary governments themselves, not by the Confederacy as a whole. I believe the Em-oh-eye's funding would be better put to use expanding their operations in Holonet media distribution and other electronic entertainment."

Jasmine sat back down with an unceremonious thud, crossing her arms and glaring at any individual who responded. She was particularly disdainful of the company around her, and didn't fail to display it via her facial expression.

[member="Tarssin Destat"]
[member="Rex Taff"]
[member="Tmoxin Temi"]
[member="Chikako Liona"]
[member="Derek Dib"]
[member="Lyla Quinn"]
[member="Tamar M'Raki"]
[member="Dalton Kenway"]

 

[Derek Dib]

Turning his head to Viceroy [member="Jorco Czeku"] he nodded to the rodian who had declared he was prepared to cast his vote. His interaction with [member="Chikako Liona"] made him lean back slightly. Though she was not a Viceroy yet, she had the making. One of the first things a leader learned to do was connecting with others of like mind and power. He was unsure if it was a personal interaction or a more political aspect, but either way she was doing what a politician did, whether she knew it or not.

After acknowledging Jorco he turned his attention to [member="Tmoxin Temi"] who spoke of business, the allocation of funds for tue previously stated establishments, and then finally of relocating companies into the borders of the Confederacy. These were poignant aspects and one of the reasons the Council had convened. But before he spoke he waited for others to respond. This was a gathering of peers and all voices were to be heard. And he didn't have long to wait before another chimed in.

The Minister of Science, [member="Rex Taff"] , spoke up. As he listened his fingers lightly swiped over the keys of his datapad. The facilities that Rex was speaking of had not gone by unnoticed, at least within his sector of space. Unfortunately for Derek he had to keep a careful eye on his own cabinet as many within were corrupt. So when news of new buildings being built on plots of land that had recently been acquired had garnerd his attention he was momentarily concerned at the potential orchestration of corporate espionage from certain members of the political parties. Yet it became apparent that it was a source from Geonosis, the Ministry of Science.

"I believe the taxes our holdings and spheres of influence pay to the government of the Confederacy will allow a certain amount of leeway. We are independent systems, yet we do pay funds to our benefactor. We do receive an allocation of funds that can be used at our discretion."

Pausing he turned as the other redhead in the council spoke up with her concerns. Viceroy [member="Jasmine Zittoun "]mentioned the futile use of certain of the credits at their disposal for her own system.

"Vicerine Zittoun, what use does Siskeen have for media distribution and electronic entertainment? This is why the funds are discretionary Madam. What may be appropriate for one planet, may not be for another. An intersystem shipyard may be convenient and logical for General [member="Dalton Kenway"] but the usage of ships so close to Jamoura would be problematic and expensive due to your unique issues with Jamoura."

Leaning back once more he cleared his screen and steepled his fingers as he considered the issue at hand.

"Obviously once the Ministry of Influence is filled they will work more closely with each of us and our constituents. We are independent yes, but we are also part of something larger. Your concerns are duly noted Ms Zittoun."

"I believe we should vote on three subjects. First I propose we do, indeed, visit our individual systems. It is our duty to promote growth within our systems and across the Confederacy. And as General Kenway proposed this idea I would hope he would be amicable to the idea of hosting the first of many such endeavors. Secondly we should vote on allowing each system to judicially use the allocated funds received from our parent government as independent systems. Meaning we have the authority to dispense our funds in appropriate manners for our people. This should be brought to the next council meeting, hopefully on Falleen, for our peers to see what we are doing. Yes we are independent but we must answer to our peers. The third vote I would like to propose is an allying of our systems, one even deeper then being under the umbrella of the Confederacy. Trade and commerce. Siskeen has the second largest droid production facilities in the Galaxy. We also have a ship building yard. But we do not have the medicinal supplies that Ryloth has, nor the entertainment sector via Jamoura, neither do we have a visible face afforded to tourism as the Lok system boasts. Perhaps through agreements and contracts we can strengthen our worlds and create lasting bonds between our peoples."

Looking around the table at the council he gave a lingering look to both [member="Tamar M'Raki"] and [member="Tarssin Destat"] who had both been silent thus far. His glance also took in [member="Lyla Quinn"] as this was something each of the leaders here would need think upon.

 

[Lyla Quinn]

"Welp!" She unlaced her fingers and lazily smacked her hands flat on the table in front of her as she leaned back in her seat, slouching the tiniest bit. Quinn gave Viceroy Dib a small, tight-lipped smile. The man had his crap together and his skill as a leader was obvious. "You've already got my vote for your first proposition. Can't say I've had the pleasure of seeing Lok or Jamoura up close. Looking forward to all the tours." The Twi'lek drummed her fingers lightly, thinking. "Using our funds wisely was a given for me, and I'd be happy to share my plans there with this council at our next meeting. As for opening detailed trade contracts with our systems, yes, absolutely. Ryloth has more ryll than we know what to do with and our cultivated herbs are just as medicinally potent. There's plenty we're in need of, though we're currently focused on stamping out the small pockets of slave trade that keep cropping up despite the law and our efforts. Hard to kill an idea with roots so deep, but we'll get there."

Flashbacks threatened, looming on the horizon of her thoughts like storm clouds. She pushed forward quickly, deciding not to bring her trouble with the ancient Twi'lek clans to the table. No need. She could handle it on her own. "So, that's three for three, a 'yes' in all proposals from me, Viceroy Dib. You've got my full support."

The smuggler scanned the gathered leaders, slowly building their profiles in her mind. Such a diverse mix of beings from many different backgrounds and beliefs, blended together in unity yet still independent of each other. It's partially what made the CIS such a beautifully unique organization and partially what drew her to the faction in the first place.

| [member="Derek Dib"] | [member="Jasmine Zittoun "]| [member=Tamar M'Raki] | [member=Tarssin Destat] | [member=Rex Taff] | [member=Dalton Kenway] | [member=Tmoxin Temi] | [member=Jorco Czeku] | [member=Chikako Liona] | ​

 

[Tmoxin Temi]

Tmoxin arched a well-groomed brow at Rex Taff in disdain. She did not take lightly to being silenced and her Hapan sensibilities bristled that it was a man who attempted to hush her. But a combination of political savoir faire and distraction saw to it that the redhead did not protest.

“Indeed,” she chimed in softly when Derek made the point about planetary funding being discretional.

The Hapan executive watched Lyla as she spoke, thinking that if Ryloth would increase the tax on Ryll, it could add more resources to eradicate the slavers and build more medical treatment facilities to help with the addictive properties. But Tmoxin remained quiet because to her knowledge ryll was only legal to buy for a company like Morpho and still illegal on the streets, walkways and in space-lanes.

“I also agree with all three propositions. You have a yes from the planet of Lok. And perhaps we can use The Point on Maramere as a location on which to hold a trade and commerce expo." It had been awhile since Tmoxin visited the white sand of Point Modie. Perhaps they could make it a yearly event for the Confederacy.

[member="Derek Dib"] | [member="Darth Metus"] I [member="Rex Taff"] I [member="Rapax"] I [member="Lyla Quinn"] I [member="Jasmine Zittoun "]I [member="Galven Hansol"] I [member="Dalton Kenway"] I [member="Tamar M'Raki"] I [member="Jorco Czeku"]

 

[Dalton Kenway]

It seemed wise to agree, with little to gain if objecting.

”I agree,” Dalton said with a single nod of the head. ”I shall be happy to host a welcome for you all when the opportunity arises.”

It seemed the consensus would hopefully be in unison. He looked to [member="Derek Dib"]b and gave a smaller nod of understanding and support while waiting for the other voices to be heard.

[member="Darth Metus"] | [member="Rex Taff"] | [member=Rapax] | [member="Jasmine Zittoun "]| [member="Tmoxin Temi"] | [member="Galven Hansol"] | [member="Tamar M'Raki"] | [member="Jorco Czeku"] | [member="Chikako Liona"] | [member="Lyla Quinn"]

 

[Jasmine Zittoun]

Jasmine glared at [member="Derek Dib"], but did not belabor the point. She had lost, but she wouldn't let it go without them knowing her stubbornness. As the voting procedure went, she replied,

"Neigh for the first proposition, yea for the last two."

She'd like to see these viceroys visit Jamoura, the journey would be a hassle within itself. She had hardly been to the surface in the last three months, spending most of her time in her own living station in orbit and doing affairs within Confederate space. But that was a matter for another time, for now she would focus on the meeting.

[member="Dalton Kenway"]
[member="Tmoxin Temi"]
[member="Lyla Quinn"]

 

[Tarssin Destat]

Location: Heads of State Viceroy Council Chambers Geonosis
Objective: Meet with CIS Heads of States



He took the time to listen. And in the process, was able to feel most of his peers out. many if not all were quite enthusiastic and the majority seemed to readily vote on matters just presented not a few moments before.
They certainly were quite valid, these proposals, but not in the manner of which they were presented. It gave no one any time to give them some serious consideration.

"Mr Dib, these articles upon which we are to vote on...or have been voted on by some of our peers already... appear to be well thought out and I may even dare go as far as saying they've had time to formulate in your mind and not out of the blue." He respectfully acknowledged the younger Viceroy with a nod.

"Now I am not opposed to anyone voting on these items. But In all honesty, I can't vote on any of these articles, despite the fact that they are quite valid and would indeed benefit the whole Confederacy, which in turn every system involved in said propositions." he paused for but a minute, taking some time to look over his peers.

"But these should first be presented as propositions. If we are simulating a democratic means of voting among us, should they not be first put forth as motions?
As workable as they sound, we are hearing these ideas for the first time.
One cannot just simply cast his or her vote at a moment's notice. We are not currently facing a war or a crisis. An emergency vote for these articles is at this time not warranted, but should be brought forth as proposals. If one Viceroy or more favors one, then they should second the motion to have it put forth for a vote.
Same with the second and third article currently on this table." he said, now resting his knuckles on the table, whilst on his feet.

"I'm in favor for all these proposals...but putting them in haste for an emergency vote raises some concerns as to how we are to work with one another.
One...would an independent system here who votes nay at this time, be forced to accept the majority vote?..or would they simply be able to withdraw from participating in a said enacted article?" He said questioning as to where anyone here stood, if they were the minority. If they were to all still have the power to remain independent, then what of a majority rule? These were questions yet to be asked among them, or was everyone here just going along not at all concerned if their system would have no choice?

"Mr Dibb, I can see why I myself wouldn't vote yes to these proposals... but they clearly have bypassed the due process and justification of a democratic vote which clearly is afforded to us Viceroys." Tarssin realized his peers could well be confused as to what he were getting at. If he stated he wasn't opposed to the articles, then why all this bureaucracy that seemed all so familiar?...like stalling.

"I can see how this may seem to you all here. It's no different than the old time consuming mundane bureaucracy that still plagues many outside governments, that do nothing but to simply talk, discuss, debate and ultimately lack efficiency for a simple definitive vote to actually get the job done.
But at the same time, history also shows us that voting in the heat of the moment can topple the greatest governments. One such example which comes to mind is the unanimous vote that ended democracy in Old Republic...and gave us the Galactic Empire...not to mention the then said sith emperor.
That came about in a same session proposal and vote.

Yes, I can see myself casting a positive vote on these proposals.... but not in this presentation. None of us, from what I believe, have had the privilege of considering these proposals properly or were given lead time as to how it would affect our individual systems."

He was not against any of the articles. But perhaps next time, everyone here or those not present would have time to think over future proposals before votes were cast.

"As thus, I'm simply putting forth my own motion, article four: that of a due process for us to vote on, in our next assembly." Tarssin then said, waiting for anyone to second the motion in this exercise.

 

[Chikako Liona]

If Chikako was able to vote she would, but just as a diplomat and representative at best her view was not really a deciding matter in this case, still perhaps she would be able to give a tour of Tythe, she had been studying up on the planet for some time, but for the most part it was unpopulated grass land, due to the LiMerga power stripping everything away from it's surface leaving it a waste land for a long time. Now it was once again a grassland planet perhaps in the future it could be used for agricultural events for the ever growing confederacy.

"I know my vote will not count for much but I believe they are good decisions, though I have to agree with [member="Jasmine Zittoun "]a bit that funds should not be used willy nilly, more so since we have been taking over more worlds and as such the fund would be better put to other means". Would anyone care, maybe, but her voice was drowned out by [member="Tarssin Destat"] who seemed to agree but take the conversation a completely different route in making a new vote for, well voting, was that strange? It was actually quite reasonable, this vote was rather, fast pace and in some regards did not have all the people that where necessary to make them, certainly there where planets without Vicory's that would perhaps not agree to this, or other ministers that would have valuable things to say.

"I second Mr Destats idea, it would be best that each person have time to review what we are voting on and come up with a conclusion in our own time without time restrains and to see if any issues that may affect our decision may arise, but again that is just my opinion".

[member="Dalton Kenway"] - [member="Lyla Quinn"] - [member="Tmoxin Temi"] - [member="Derek Dib"]

 

[Malok]

This was a step in the right direction.

Darth Metus recalled how things once were. During the height of the old Confederacy, he, a young mercenary at the time, was hardly involved in the political aspects of the nation. While his attention was always elsewhere, it was common knowledge that the old Viceroyalty hardly convened. Near absolute power rested in the hands of the Grand Marshal - who thankfully was a man of decent moral character. But that was not how the Sith envisioned the nation of the present. And it seemed as though his peers shared this same thought. Of their own volition, they gathered together in the hopes of making the Confederacy shine even brighter.

And frankly, the Vicelord was pleased beyond words.

Today, he would join them as they decided the fate of many things for their nation. For the most part, Darth Metus was content to allow the Viceroyalty to vote and decide as they so pleased - but a proposal had come across his desk that required the attention of his peers. It was something that warranted true discussion, as it would color the moral compass of the nation evermore. It was well established that the Confederacy had an excellent moral character, going so far as to escalate slavery to a capital offense. It was a champion of freedom, both individually and nationally.

But how far would this love of freedom go? Would they be wholly liberal? Would they be conservative on some issues?

The hum of a projector kicking to life heralded his arrival.

Displayed as an azure hologram, Darth Metus rose from the center of the table. His whereabouts were well known thus far - he was aboard the Fortressa, overseeing the latest in the nation’s expansionary efforts. Fortunately, there was a gap between the drawing up of treaties - enough so that the Vicelord could happily join his peers for the duration of the meeting.

”My sincerest apologies for the tardiness, one and all.” he began, rendering a polite decline of his head in greeting. ”Our latest endeavors stalled my attendance, though the minutes I’ve received thus far state we are in the midst of a vote! I will, of course, abstain - and after there is a matter that I would like to bring before you. Please, continue.”

A matter that would see the [member="Helix Syndicate"] legitimized within Confederate space to some degree.

[member="Derek Dib"], [member="Tmoxin Temi"], [member="Rex Taff"], [member="Dalton Kenway"], [member="Chikako Liona"], [member="Lyla Quinn"], [member="Jorco Czeku"], [member=”Tamar M’Raki”], [member="Tarssin Destat"], [member=”Jasmine Zittoun”]

 

[Derek Dib]

Leaning back Derek turned his head to [member="Lyla Quinn"] as she spoke up on behalf of her territory. While many would see the roughness of her apparel and judge her as being uncivilized he understood that the veneer of looks was quite often deceiving. He pondered momentarily if perhaps that was not the idea, putting forth a visage to be underestimated. Then again it was always possible that she was merely a forthright individual and deigned to not put on airs for others, choosing to be true to self. That would be refreshing. A tight lipped smile and nod to her as she voted in the affirmative was his response.

Next came the Vicroy of Lok, [member="Tmoxin Temi"] , as she weighed in with her thoughts. Distracting would be the apt way to all the way her hair framed her face, yet this was not a social, personal call but instead a political gathering of figures of power and authority within the Confederacy. He kept such distraction from his mind, a few rapid blinks the only external response to his lapse in decorum. Tmoxin's idea of having an expo and convention sounded like a grand idea.

"Splendid idea, madam Viceroy. Perhaps that could be a part of one of the future council meetings instead? It would work nicely with the proposed system visits."

Another nod as he turned red rimmed eyes upon the General, [member="Dalton Kenway"] . His acquiescence of the proposals and the next official meeting was both positive and instilled a small sense of accomplishment in direction. He found himself looking forward to the warrior politician hosting and the ideas the other man may share on military structure within the independent systems.

Looking to [member="Jasmine Zittoun "]as she cast her vote, agreeing with the second and third proposals and voting against the first. Eyebrows arched ever slightly as he nodded to her.

"I would be curious to hear your reasoning and reservations for the first vote, perhaps over an informal meeting between the two of us at a later date?"

The disdain the Lady Viceroy had for her peers was thinly veiled. And while it wouldn't be the first time Derek had to work with hostile allies he missed silently that it was perhaps possible to mend potential problems before they fully arose. He was curious about the stubborn woman. A powerful will could carry one far, but so too could it be a precipitation of indicators for troubles to come. And the Council needed unity.

His head swiveled as the elder Viceroy, [member="Tarssin Destat"] , shared his opinion, concerns, and ideas. Derek well understood the issues the man broached, and other different circumstances would most likely agree fervantly. Yet this was a different time, and this was a different galaxy then the times and examples given. Slowly he nodded as he leaned forward hearing [member="Chikako Liona"] voice her concerns as well. Before he could respond the Hologram of the ViceLord, [member="Darth Metus"] , appeared with a short statement.

"ViceLord, your presence is always a welcome pleasure. Your arrival and matters will be given their appropriate attention momentarily, and we appreciate your acknowledgement of the matters at hand."

Turning slightly in his seated position he looked back to Viceroy Destat.

"I fully understand and appreciate your concerns and ideas. Perhaps we can find a compromise that would alleviate your worry, create a potential template for future meetings, and answer a few points that you have raised. First, the points."

"Written into our charter's laws is the clarification for passing acts. It says, and I quote, "By majority rule, an Act is signed into law and is upheld throughout Confederate space. It is to be noted that, whomever proposes an Act must also Host the session on their world." So as acting member of the council hosting the meeting it's required of me to propose the act to be voted upon. However, perhaps at our next council meeting we can potentially revisit the law and vote to make it more amicable. However having said that I do see the wisdom of time for reviewing any acts before hand as well as putting it forth as a motion to be seconded before a vote occurs. Perhaps in the future all propositions can be transmitted to our respective council members prior to a meeting, where the motion can then be seconded prior to a vote."

Leaning forward slightly he cleared his voice and continued.

"But as that particular template has not been available at this time, perhaps we can dispense with the decorum this once as the proposals offered are about strengthening, not only this council, but also our systems. The first vote, that Viceroy Zittoun voted negatively for, is meant to ensure neutrality, the sharing of chairing the meetings, and an avenue of receiving first had knowledge of our Confederate systems. The second is meant to give our systems the freedom to use the allocated funds as benefitting our independent systems while also ensuring a modicum of accountability by our peers, the council. The third is to open potential trade agreements between each system as seen fit by their respective Viceroys. I see negligible harm in the first of these acts being created this day."

Motioning to the silent ViceLord hovering above the table patiently, Derek continued.

"As for the concern for creating an Emperor and Empire through emergency power and authority being granted to a single individual, this is a very valid concern. But again, in our laws it is written, "An Order is also a national law, but is enacted by the Vicelord alone. While this type of law does not require the initial approval of the Viceroys, it can be vetoed by majority vote." So despite what the ViceLord may initially order through executive decision, we have the right to overturn any law made as a council. Continuing in the same vein our laws also state in our charters, "Should an Executive Order breach the terms of the Charter, they can be overturned by vote of the Viceroyalty", and "All treaties or alliances are subject to review by the Viceroyalty and can be vetoed by vote". So while the ViceLord is the chief authority for the Confederacy, the true power and check of power lies with us, the Viceroyalty, who are the voice of our people and nations and have the authority, right, and responsibility to act for the betterment of not just the Confederacy as a whole, but also for our systems."

Lightly he tapped the table with his index finger.

"So the propositions, I would request, be allowed to stand as they have already been voted on, both for and against. Also, as a sign of respect and acknowledgement of the truth of your words, I would like to second your motion to make all proposals made before meetings and available to all Viceroyalty, that the motion must also be seconded before a vote occurs, and that the host should be the one to chair the meetings and bring the motions up in each session, with the author of the motions being recognized. I also would like to re-affirm my vote for my three proposals and vote for the new motion template."

[member="Rex Taff"] I [member="Jorco Czeku"] I @Tamar M’Raki

 

[Tarssin Destat]

He nodded his acknowledgement and respect to the hologram of Viceroy [member="Darth Metus"] once the man's eyes took their turn to be upon his person.

Tarssin did likewise to the young lady Viceroy [member="Chikako Liona"] , as she spoke her mind and commented upon his own words given to council.

There was little more to add at this point, in relation to his own interests in the matter of voting, for Viceroy [member="Derek Dib"] quite acknowledged and understood his concerns. And Tarssin had to give credit to the young Viceroy, in the man's resolve in taking such initiatives to get these articles passed and prevent a possible stall in the growth of the Confederacy.
But at the same time, it were apparent that such a due process was indeed made valid in the late presence of [member="Darth Metus"] . Although the Viceroy was abstaining to cast his vote at this time, it nevertheless brought to light the matter of absentee Viceroys who had no prior knowledge of what subjects and articles were being brought up and voted on in this particular current session.
And as Viceroy Dib reciprocated the Charters of the Confederacy, in the means of the ability to veto any elected articles, it still would give way to those articles being surfaced to be re-evaluated as taking up valuable session times. But with the new motions to bring up future articles to be considered by the Heads of States before commencing to vote by the next upcoming sessions; it satisfied Tarssin. His belief was to at least give present and absentee Heads of States to have a lead on what was to be up for considerations.

This of course he learned from history. Unfortunately Viceroy Dib had not considered the fact of a rouse could well be played, in such a hasty propositional vote taking place in the same session.
One bad Viceroy could upset and tumble the Confederacy by such a rouse as proposing and voting on a dangerous article in the same session. Such a manipulative bad Viceroy could wait for matters that would put many good Viceroys out of town per say, and coral by opportunity, only his supporters to make a said session...emergency or likewise. Then a bias Council would detrimentally affect the entire Confederacy by their allied votes. By the time a veto of said articles would come to be rectified..more stonewalling and long debates would have already cause damage to the Confederacy.
It were by these examples that Tarssin was happy to hear from Viceroy Dib that in future, a motion would initiate any future articles to be considered for next session voting.

"Thank you for the floor, Viceroy Dib and Viceroy Liona for your acknowledgement and seconding the motion which I have brought forth here today for consideration." Tarsiin once more stood up, so that his peers could well see what he were to speak of.

"In lieu of this, I can then say I will cast a YES to the three articles that Viceroy Dib has brought before us this day in session. I can say I look forward to our next session and hope that the 4th article of due process will be voted upon after every Viceroy, present and not, have had proper notification.

Furthermore, concerning the said individual system's distributed funds from the Confederacy; I trust at this point that all representatives present and absent have to be given the benefit of accountability by their own right, until such a system fails the Confederacy by irrationally squandering these funds. " He then said before siting down again.